By Brad Smith, Executive Vice President, Customer Experience, Sage North America

Although the Olympics ended months ago, I can’t help continuing to reflect on the Olympian mindset. How can corporations replicate these characteristics within the workplace?

“I’ve failed over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” 
– Michael Jordan, basketball

Some of the most successful people in this world have been knocked down. What makes these people successful is their ability to learn from their mistakes.

“Each of us has a fire in our hearts for something. It’s our goal in life to find it and keep it lit.” 
– Mary Lou Retton, gymnastics

A focused mindset can help you accomplish more, and in a timely manner.

“I am a member of a team, and I rely on the team, I defer to it and sacrifice for it, because the team, not the individual, is the ultimate champion.” 
– Mia Hamm, soccer

Most athletes and employees work among teams, and the better your team looks, the better you look.

“You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.” 
– Wayne Gretzky, hockey

To be successful in athletics, work and life, you need to set goals and take risks to achieve them.

There’s a bit of an Olympian in all of us!

** Excerpted from American City Business Journals article posted to http://www.bizjournals.com/bizjournals/how-to/growth-strategies/2014/02/how-to-bring-olympian-mindset-to-office.html **